HB 159 reinstates the requirement on local taxing entities that proposed Property Tax Rates changes must be published in local newspapers. And HB 187 requires ballot measures seeking approval for the issuance of new bonds or public debt be done only during a November Election, removing the option to present such a vote during lower turnout, mid-year elections. The Legislative Session begins on Tuesday, January 10th, 2023.

Losing control of the people’s House last month was bad enough. Now Democrats have this “Twitter thing” to deal with – which is no longer within their authoritarian control to manipulate. They don’t have that free hand to tip the scales in their favor any longer, and with the new control of Congress in GOP hands they also know the days of keeping their secrets from the American Public are numbered... And they are terrified.

"This incredible, groundbreaking new therapy has the potential to revolutionize how we combat fentanyl deaths and end the afflictions of addiction that burdens so many innocent Texans & Americans across the country," said Gov. Greg Abbott, celebrating the tremendous achievement of University of Houston researchers who have developed a groundbreaking fentanyl vaccine with the potential to save millions of lives from overdose poisonings and addiction.

“After doing next to nothing to avoid a railway strike, the president assured the American people this matter was settled. That was a brazen lie. Now, he expects Congress to step into the dispute and pick winners and losers. As a matter of principle, I don't support government intervention to decide terms of employment," said Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, as the U.S. Senate took up legislation to avoid an economic catastrophe and railroad strike.

Total State Sales Tax Revenues for the three months ending November 2022 were up 13.3% in Texas when compared with the same period a year ago, said Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar earlier today. And with the 2023 Legislative Session fast approaching, Sales Taxes represent the largest source of state funding for the state budget, accounting for 56% of all tax collections. November's monthly total is the highest on record, and is up 11.2% from November 2021.

“Since 2007, the Texas Oil & Gas Industry has paid nearly $179 billion – or almost $12 billion per year – to royalty owners, the State of Texas, and to Local Governments,” said Railroad Commission Chair Wayne Christian yesterday, after Comptroller Glenn Hegar transferred $3.64 billion to the Economic Stabilization "Rainy Day Fund" and $3.64 billion the State Highway Fund. "This is all put at risk by the attacks by President Biden to kill the industry."

When you hear that something is refundable, you probably think that means that someone gets a refund on something he or she paid. By “refundable,” they (IRS) mean that someone gets a payment even if he or she paid nothing in the first place.

“It's embarrassing that unelected bureaucrats in Florida have done a better job of protecting children than elected officials in Texas have by regulatorily banning gender modification. I’ve filed a bill to codify the same ban that exists in Florida, however, our children deserve protection today – and the Texas Medical Board can provide it," said State Rep. Brian Harrison, who prior being elected to the Texas House served as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services.

"The state's 'Rainy Day Fund' and the State Highway Fund are critical assets for Texas, and these transfers represent a tremendous opportunity to invest and safeguard our state against uncertainty,” said Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar earlier today, announcing that he has completed the transfer of about $7.3 billion into the State Highway Fund (SHF) and the Economic Stabilization Fund (commonly known as the “Rainy Day Fund”,) in order to comply with the Texas Constitution.

TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez announced he will depart from the Texas Workforce Commission effective December 15, 2022.

 “As the representative of so many Texans in the chemical, energy, construction, and manufacturing sectors – which rely heavily on railroads – I'm concerned that Congress’s actions today set a dangerous precedent for future labor negotiations.” said Cong. Brian Babin (TX-36,) after voting no on both H.J. Res. 100 and H. Con. Res. 119. "The president, who deems himself the ‘union guy,’ should have been able to solve this issue long ago."

It would be hard to imagine any better agenda that would destroy America – that would have been as injurious as what we've already suffered through at the hands of the Biden White House and Democrat's "leadership" – than the following 10 things... yet Mr. Biden and the openly destructive Democrat Party have accomplished all of them.

“The people of China are not to blame for the Communist Party’s actions. In fact, many were already protesting its handling of the pandemic and now the protests have escalated into open criticism of the (Communist) regime. They're bravely standing up for their rights – and the Biden Administration’s response has been worse than expected," said Sen. Ted Cruz earlier today, condemning Biden’s response to the Chinese abuses against its citizens.

“The law the Biden Administration is trying to ignore is crystal clear: certain illegal aliens that have committed crimes must be detained and cannot be allowed to roam freely in our communities,” said Attorney General Paxton, as lawyers representing the State of Texas made their case before the U.S. Supreme Court today to stop the Biden White House from illegally refusing to enforce laws mandated in the U.S. Immigration & Nationality Act.

Governor Greg Abbott today announced new leadership appointments at the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS) that strengthen the agency’s mission of serving vulnerable adults and children with high-quality programs and services. Effective immediately, Kezeli "Kez" Wold, Stephanie Muth, and Anne Heiligenstein will be assuming Commissioner and Senior Adviser roles to lead the agency in a number of key projects.

"I'm going into the 88th Session ready to fight for Travis County. These first bills represent just some of the niche issues facing constituents of House District 46, but the Legislature can improve the lives of millions by expanding Medicaid, fully funding our teachers & schools, and restoring our civil rights,” said Cole, who serves on the House Agriculture & Livestock, the House Administration, and the House Ways & Means Committees.

We now know one major priority that Joe Biden will try to pass in the remaining weeks Democrats control the U.S. House of Representatives. The president says he'll try to "get rid of assault weapons." Well, instead of focusing on passing more gun laws – when those already on the books certainly aren't being enforced like they should – perhaps President Biden should focus on the simple old principles Democrats are so anxious not to see.

Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) hosted House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) and 5 of their House Republican colleagues in El Paso, Texas, to receive a first-hand update on the Border Crisis.